Koitsu's daytime landscapes and non-nocturnal scenes are less common on the primary market but still reflect his mastery of atmosphere and color. Values have risen steadily over the past decade.
Manzai was a traditional comic performing art in which pairs of performers — often in New Year costume — moved door-to-door through neighborhoods offering congratulatory recitations in exchange for payment or gifts. Koitsu's depiction of the manzai dancers captures a piece of the popular performance culture of old Japan that was disappearing as cinema and radio absorbed entertainment audiences. The figures in their distinctive masked and costumed attire stand as a record of a living performance tradition.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
MANZAI DANCERS was created by Tsuchiya Koitsu (土屋光逸).
MANZAI DANCERS was published by Doi Sadaichi.
MANZAI DANCERS depicts music, figures, and daily life.
